The long ship glided into the bay, the choppy waves breaking against the hull. The crew took a break from the oars to look around and grin at the sight of home.
Green hills gently rose out of the ground around them, and fields of grain waved gently in the breeze. This is Freysakr, breadbasket of the Nordic peoples, and home to the Seas Wolves. Einar good naturally coaxed the men back to the oars, reminding them that their loved ones have waited long enough.
The town was a larger one, with a few thousand people. The second and third sons and daughters often came to make their own life for themselves, either as craftsmen, and sometimes as warriors. Traders came here as well, coming with fine goods and crafts to trade for foodstuffs to take back to the villages. This has made Jarl Olstref a very wealthy and powerful man.
As they approached the dock, Jóra saw a large crowd beginning to gather, both of important people in the town and friends and relatives of the Sea wolves. They were all staring back at her, trying to catch a glimpse of a loved one. She could see Thane Evarson push his way to the front, a few warriors at his back.
The ship docked , the planks were lowered and the Einar, Jóra, Sihylde and Frømund came first off the boat to greet their thane (well, limped in Frømund’s case).
Thane Evarson gave a confused grin, “Welcome home, my Sea Wolves!” he announced loudly to the cheers of the crowd behind him, “But where is Captain Kejek? Was he wounded?”
Einar bowed his head, “I am afraid to say that he fell in battle, my thane. I took up the role of acting captain in his stead.” At this a woman in the crowd cried out, and fled weeping.
Evarson’s face grew grim. “That is sad news indeed, young Einar. But there is a crowd of eager warriors behind you that appear to be quite ready to greet their women and children!” At this he cupped his hands around his mouth. “ What are you standing around for, you louts! Go on and greet your families!”
The men gave out a loud cheer and rushed into the crowd, and families and friends were reunited, and some were consoled. The thane grinned at the sight, then turned to the leaders, “ We will share tales about your raid at the feast tonight! And better yet, divide up the loot!” He then saw Kol Magnusson walk off the boat, “Ahh I knew that wouldn’t be the last time I saw you, you old bastard! Come, tell me how your son did on this raid!” They embrace each other, then walk away towards the Sea Wolves barracks.
Time passes quickly as you catch up with friends and family. Soon the feast is upon you, and you assemble at the Great Mead Hall, able to seat a few hundred within. It is a warm place, filled with laughter and singing. The thane invites all the squad leaders up to the main table, where they sit with important traders and Jarl Olstref. The jarl is a large man, big of belly with a great beard that has mostly turned grey. His eyes are kindly, and is happy to greet the successful raiders.
A great roast is served before you, and you all dig in, eager to have some real food after eating field rations for weeks. As you eat, each of you make conversation with the various people around the town. Soon however, the thane calls for the plunder to be brought forward.
Many crates of goods are brought forth, from kegs of ale, a wagonful of grain, and many silver and copper pieces. Many laugh and cheer at Bess, the great prize cow from the village, who simply moos in response. There are many appreciative murmurs at the fine cloak and gilded great sword. Einar nods at Frømund, who kneels and presents the sword to the thane.
Evarson grins at this, “ This is a noble and fine sword! It will hang proudly in the Hall of the Sea Wolves as a sign of the victory over the southerners!”
Next Sihylde brings up the cloak, and presents it to the thane, “ Ahh, thank you , Sihylde, for this excellent cloak! I will gift it to the Jarl, however, as a gift from all of the Wolves as a thanks for their hospitality.” The Jarl graciously thanks them all.
The loot is split up, and 13 coins worth of loot goes to Thane Evarson, who is pleased with the haul. 22.5 coins are split up among the company, with each man receiving half a coin. Some are very eager, not having owned such wealth for themselves, but the more veteran among them are merely satisfied. That leaves 3.5 coins left for the 4 leaders. The captives are then ushered in by Skjære, the monks still in their robes, and the young villagers. There are 15 monks, and 10 villagers. The Thane goes down and looks at them.
“They are not afraid! Why is that?” He calls out.
Jóra responds, “ We saved them from a dark spirit, and they are repaying their debt to us through service!”
Thane Evarson responds with a bemused look. “Well, they shall find that! I hope you don’t mind that I take mostly the fitter men and women? I don’t have much of a use for monks.”
He picks out 7 of the villagers, and then looks at the monks. Suddenly his face contorts with rage, and he grabs one of the monks and throws him to the ground. “You call upon the Ministrations of your Nameless god here! He cannot hear you! He is blind to your suffering!”
He turns and beckons one his warriors over, “Take this monk and prepare him to be sacrificed , in thanks for bringing this company of Sea Wolves home safely!” The monks cry out as the young man is dragged away, but the guards tell them to be silent. The hall has grown quiet, and the Thane marches up the steps, and lifts his cup. “To the Sea Wolves! May our enemies find death on both sea and blade!”
Talk returns soon, and the bards beginning playing again. The Jarl does not seem to be pleased with this turn of events, and noticeably ignores the captain the rest of the night.
What do you do?
A. Build relationship with the Thane
B. Build relationship with the Jarl
C. Build relationship with the merchants
D. Try to save the monk about to sacrificed (How?)
E. Something else?
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Topic: Viking: Sea Wolves-Chapter 1: Fur and Fang (Read 27230 times)